Shippensburg University will honor two alumni with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award during the annual Alumni Awards Dinner on October 22 as part of the university’s Homecoming Celebration. This award is presented to graduates who are 40 years-old or younger and recognizes their outstanding achievement in their field for the benefit of the community. This year’s recipients are:

Deanna Bridge Najera ’14M

Deanna graduated Shippensburg in 2014 with an MS in clinical mental health counseling. She earned a bachelor of science in physiology and neurobiology from the University of Maryland, and a masters in physician assistant studies from Chatham University. Deanna is a PA and splits her time between the emergency department at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, the Carroll County Health Department in the reproductive health program and on an as-needed basis as a psychiatric provider for Shippensburg University, Gettysburg College and True North Wellness Services. Deanna was named one of “The Baltimore Sun’s 25 Women to Watch in 2020”, and was named a local hero of the week among other awards. She serves on the advisory board for the proposed school of nursing and allied health within the College of Education and Human Services, is the immediate past president of the Maryland Academy of PAs, and is currently a director at large on the American Academy of PAs Board of Directors.

Dr. Ivy Buchan ’09M

Dr. Ivy Buchan fell in love with nonprofit management in high school as president of a community service club and for the last 21 years she’s worked in the nonprofit space. Five years ago Ivy started Helix Strategies, and her team helps organizations develop strategic solutions to fundraising and leadership challenges. Ivy earned her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Administration and Leadership Studies in the Nonprofit Sector with a research focus on engagement and collaboration. She is a National and State Licensed Consultant, an AFP Master Trainer, and an Adjunct at West Chester University. Ivy also co-founded two nonprofits, edited three nonprofit textbooks, and serves on several community boards including as the Chair of the United Way of the Capital Region’s Bridges Society. One of her proudest career moments was winning the 2018 Central Penn Business Journal’s Women of Influence Community Achievement Award. During her free time, Ivy loves spending time with her husband and daughter. Ivy is a 2009 masters graduate of the criminal justice department at Shippensburg University.

The evening also recognizes recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Cultural Achievement Award and Exceptional Service Award.